Issue
I'm trying to write a python script that sends notifications whenever there is a new OS release. I have some working code using subprocess in Python to invoke sudo apt update. But does this provide information about new OS releases, or "only" about new upgradable packages? That is, does the term "upgradable packages" imply OS releases as well?
Otherwise, how can I find out programmatically from Python whether a new Debian OS release is available?
Solution
You can check the release name in your mirror, e.g.: http://ftp.fi.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/Release . Check e.g. for the line codename (if you care just release, or the Version if you care about point releases), and if it has changed from last time, you have a new release. Note: you may see a new release before official announcement or later (by few days), but that is due for practical reasons during release.
Check carefully a mirror near you, and do not ask too many time per day about release. And better: ask if the file is changed and download it only in such case.
Answered By - Giacomo Catenazzi Answer Checked By - Cary Denson (WPSolving Admin)